PULPIT VACANCY

Second Baptist Church LA

2412 Griffith Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90011 Cell (213) 400-8777

Phone (213)-677-2784 deleby@pacbell.net

NOTICE OF PULPIT VACANCY AT

SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH OF LOS ANGELES

The Second Baptist Church of Los Angeles (“SBCLA” or “Church”) is seeking a Senior Pastor to lead this traditional African American congregation into the next phase of the 21st century.

SBCLA was organized on May 13,1885. The Church has enjoyed an uninterrupted presence in the Los Angeles community for 139 years. We are a congregation of committed believers in Christ. We are unapologetically Christian and unashamedly African American. Our mission is to acknowledge that “God was in Christ redeeming, reconciling and restoring the world unto himself” (2 Corinthians 5:19). Our vision is to continue the work of Christ by developing Ministries that address the needs of our contemporary society.

Currently, the Church is in a rebuilding phase. The preservation and restoration of the historic edifice and the growth of the membership are key priorities for the congregation. We seek a full time Senior Pastor, who is called by God to effectively preach and teach the Word of God. We seek a Pastor whose character, ethics, morality and principles are consistent with scripture. We seek a Pastor who is congenial, collegial and collaborative, who works well with the congregational leadership, congregants, community, civic and political leaders representing who we are as a congregation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Lead and oversee the spiritual well-being of the church by preaching and teaching the Word of God. Ability to lead within the framework of the Church Constitution.
Administer the Church Ordinances: The Lord’s Supper and Baptism.
Implement a visionary plan to increase membership and a culture of church giving (stewardship).
Lead the church in an effective evangelism program.
Embrace traditional and contemporary forms of music and worship and understand the intergenerational and cultural nuances that are critical in the continuing growth of the church.

Preferred Qualifications and Practical Experiences

The ideology of the Ideal candidate is supported by the teachings of the Holy Bible, as well as in the African American experience, spirituality, consciousness, and culture. Specific qualifications include:

Sound interpretation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the tradition of African American pastoral preaching. Employ a preaching style that is textual, narrative, challenging, personal, engaging and makes God’s Word applicable to everyday life.
Superior oral and written communication skills that reach various ages and demographics.
Strong leadership, business and financial skills relative to the church’s interest in economic development, grants, projects, non-profit programs and investments.

Minimum Requirements

The Candidate must be a baptized believer who is passionately committed and dedicated to the Ministry of Jesus Christ.
The Candidate must have experience at a church similar or larger in size as an Associate pastor but preferably as the Senior Pastor.
Adhere to a schedule that enables availability to members of the congregation, as needed.
Experience leading in growing or rebuilding a church.
Have Accreditation/Licensing/Ordination with the Baptist denomination.
Hold undergraduate and graduate degrees, with a Master of Divinity and/or preferably, a Doctorate from an accredited Theological Seminary.
Candidate must possess the following attributes: personal relationship with Jesus Christ, integrity, passion, vision, humility, fiscal responsibility, purpose driven, encourager, mentor, teacher and a peaceful patient man/woman of God.

Application Process

Confidentiality Provision: All materials sent to SBCLA are confidential and not returnable to the Applicants.

Applicants must submit the following to the Pastoral Search Committee:

1. Short Biography

2. Photo (recent photo of at least six months)

3. Letter of Interest (please answer the following questions)

Why do you believe that you might be a good fit as the Senior Pastor of Second Baptist Church Los Angeles? (Theoretical)
Describe your experiences in ministry and how you might be qualified to serve as Senior Pastor at our church? (Examples)

4. Resume

One public sermon and one recent public Sunday School or Bible Class teaching session. Please submit via thumb drive (examples include YouTube, video, etc.)

5. Submit completed Application Packet electronically to the following address:

SBCLAsearch24@gmail.com

OR

Submit completed Application Packet via Priority Mail, with tracking to the following Address:

Second Baptist Church, 6695 Green Valley Circle, P O Box 2605, Culver City, California, 90230-9997

Completed Application Packets will be accepted through October 7, 2024.

Please do not contact the Church regarding the search process. When the Pastoral Search Committee has reviewed your application packet, potential candidates will be contacted regarding the next steps in the process. All candidates will be subject to a background check as part of the application process.